25-fight limit for amateurs
Malawi Boxing Association (Maba) has said this year they will introduce fight limits for amateur boxers before they turn professional.
Amateur boxers rush to turn professional due to lack of international competitions and monetary rewards in the amateur ranks.
Maba President, Justice Katika, on Thursday said the association was saddened by Malawian boxers’ poor performance in international competitions.
“The aim of amateur fighting is to prepare boxers with skill and experience of the sport. As an association, we are planning to meet and introduce a 25-fight limit for young fighters before they turn professional,” Katika said. This means that no boxer would be granted the licence to go professional unless they accumulate 25 fights in the amateur ranks.
Seasoned boxer, Wilson Masamba, has since backed Maba’s proposal.
Masamba said he feels sad that fellow boxers perform badly due to lack of basics of boxing.
“It is only in Malawi where one feels ready for professional fights after just learning how to throw jabs. I always tell the young ones that I fought over 200 amateur fights before I turned professional.
“Let them go through all the required stages, including fighting at the Commonwealth Games. With knowledge and exposure, it would not be tough for them when they turn professional,” Masamba said.
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